Making Room

Scripture:  II Kings 4:8-10 - Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a notable woman, and she persuaded him to eat some food. So it was, as often as he passed by, he would turn in there to eat some food. 9 And she said to her husband, “Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly. 10 Please, let us make a small upper room on the wall; and let us put a bed for him there, and a table and a chair and a lampstand; so it will be, whenever he comes to us, he can turn in there.”

This notable/great Shunammite woman, realizing that Elisha was a holy man of God,  prepared/gave food to Elisha whenever he passed by.  Furthermore, she asked her husband if they could build a  room for Elisha and put a bed, table, chair and lampstand in the room.  They actually made room for Elisha. This was very encouraging, considerate, selfless, and it was a sacrifice.

Aren’t you glad that Christ made room for us at the cross?  After all, we could never deserve to be forgiven of our sins.  Christ suffered, bled, and died for our sins; and He rose again! I love the words to the hymn “There’s Room at the Cross For You”:

(Verse 1)  The cross upon which Jesus died is a shelter in which we can hide.  And its grace so free -- is sufficient for me.  And deep is its fountain as wide as the sea.  (Verse 2) Though millions have found him a friend, and have turned from the sins they have sinned. The Savior still waits to open the gates, and welcome a sinner before it's too late.(Verse 3) The hand of my Savior is strong, and the love of my Savior is long. Through sunshine or rain, through loss or in gain, The blood flows from Calvary to cleanse every stain. (Chorus) There’s room at the cross for you. There's room at the cross for you. Though millions have come, there's still room for one. Yes there's room at the cross for you.

Not only has Jesus made room at the cross for us, but He also has prepared for us a dwelling place in Heaven!  John 14:1-3 says - Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.  No matter what we are going through or will go through, it will be worth it to be in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!!

The Lord wants us to make more room for Him in our daily living/lifestyle – in every area of our lives.  It’s so important to read/study God’s Word daily, pray without ceasing, and turn away from sin in our lives.  I’m learning to slow down with so many activities/projects and spend more time with the Lord. The more we make room for Jesus in our lives, the Holy Spirit will lead us to intentionally make more room for others.  We may not be able to add an additional room in our house, but perhaps we will be led to allow someone in need to stay with us for a while.  There are many ways that we can make room for others:  preparing food for others; giving gospel tracts to others; distributing care packets with gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, snacks, money; regularly praying with others; discipling others; giving clothing or other items to those in need.  What are some ways that the Lord is leading you to make room for others?  Sometimes we can be so overwhelmed with our cares that we neglect to ask the Lord to show us ways to make room for others.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You for making room at the cross for me! Help me to make more room for You in my life.  Also, show me how I can make more room for others who are in need. In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)